At least 14 people are dead and 170 people are feared missing after a massive flood-hit Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district where the water level in the Dhauliganga river rose suddenly following an avalanche near a power project at Raini village in the Tapovan area of the district.
The rescue operation is underway and the ITBP rescued 16 people from a tunnel on Sunday while 30 are still trapped in another tunnel.
Here’s what we know so far about the Glacier burst in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli:
- 170 people who are still missing are employees of the Rishiganga Power project and National Thermal Power Corporation’s hydropower project that was under construction.
- Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Rawat visited the disaster site on Sunday and also announced ₹ 4 lakh compensation for the family of those killed. An extra ₹ 2 lakh will be given from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund, with ₹ 50,000 for those with serious injuries.
- According to the ITBP Personnel, at least five PWD bridges have been washed away in the massive flooding at the Dhualiganga river.
- As per the news agency ANI, the ITBP rescued 15 workers from tunnel no 2, and 30 workers were still trapped in a tunnel no. 1 near the Tapovan hydropower project.
- The canine squad has also been deployed to carry out the search operation near Tapovan dam in Chamoli.
- SDRF’s rescue operation halted on Sunday night as the water level of the Mandakini river rose higher. Teams have now resumed the search operation.
- The spokesperson from the UN Secretary-General said, “Secretary-General is deeply saddened by reported loss of life and dozens missing following the glacier burst and subsequent flooding in Uttarakhand. He expresses his deep condolences to families of victims and to people and Government of India.”
- Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Twitter, “Devastating news for India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi following flash flooding in Uttarakhand. Australia stands with one of its closest friends at this very difficult time. “
- The Uttarakhand government has made the following helplines for the Disaster Operations Center available to those stuck in affected areas or in need of any help: 1070 or 9557444486
